Radio 4 sketch show focused on overblown, melodramatic scenes from modern life. Broadcast in 17 episodes from 2012 to 2019, performed by Sara Pascoe, Daniel Rigby, Mike Wozniak, Cariad Lloyd, Henry Paker and Freya Parker. Written by Benjamin Partridge, Henry Paker and Mike Wozniak, with additional material from the cast.
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My goal right from the beginning was that I wanted it to be a podcast that, when it stopped, you didn’t feel worse,” says Cariad Lloyd, host of Griefcast, a weekly interview podcast where media personalities share stories about loved ones they've lost. “We’re all in this club that no one asked to join, and it’s really helpful when you realize there’s other people in the club. Part of grief is feeling quite isolated, so when you realize, ‘Oh, it's not just me,’ It does help.” In each episode, ...
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Comedian Jessica Fostekew and Olympic weightlifter Emily Campbell bring you the funniest, cleverest and most reverent TV-show side-podcast you’ve ever heard or seen. Each week they’ll look at the latest episode of Gladiators with a joyful but also analytical eye. Picking out their most awesome and dramatic moments of both comedy, competition and athleticism. They will also be joined by one of their many superstar friends from the world of comedy and sport to get their insight on the show, an ...
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Comedians talk Red Dwarf. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Join comedian Deborah Frances-White and her special guests as they discuss topics “all 21st century feminists agree on” while confessing their insecurities, hypocrisies and fears that underlie their lofty principles. Deborah Frances-White is the 2016 Writers' Guild Award Winner for Best Radio Comedy for her hit BBC Radio 4 series Deborah Frances-White Rolls the Dice. She is an Edinburgh Fringe regular, screenwriter and is hugely in demand for her corporate seminars.
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Host Mike Wozniak (Man Down) and his glamorous assistant Diane Morgan (Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe) star in what has been described as ‘Almost better than The Generation Game‘ and ‘Nearly as funny as Bruce’s Price is Right‘. The show is a beautiful mix of ridiculous games, ludicrous quizzes, and stupid tasks all immaculately presented by Mike Wozniak and then suitably ruined by Diane... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death affects us all. Yet it is still the last taboo in our society, and grief is profoundly misunderstood. Hosted by Julia Samuel – a grief psychotherapist with over twenty five years’ experience of working with the bereaved – we hear stories from those who have experienced great love and loss – and survived. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Bonus Interview with Gladiators WINNER Amanda Wah
24:37
24:37
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24:37After an incredible final, Emily and Jessica were lucky enough to chat to Gladiators winner, Contender Amanda Wah! Amanda shares the low down on her experience competing in The Toughest Game Show on Earth. Find Amanda at her Warrington gym www.momentumcollective.co.uk, and follow her on socials @amandawahfitness. We want to hear from you! What woul…
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Gladiators Grand Final with Lucy Porter
1:03:26
1:03:26
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1:03:26It’s the GRAND FINAL of Gladiators series two, and the series finale of the Contender Ready podcast! Emily and Jessica celebrate the win of our two new Gladiators champs. They’re joined by a comedian and fellow Gladiators obsessive, Lucy Porter aka MAMMOTH. To keep up with Lucy's next live stand-up dates head to www.lucyporter.co.uk, and follow Luc…
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Gladiators Second Semi-Final with Nabil Abdulrashid (and Contender Amanda!)
1:10:07
1:10:07
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1:10:07After a long wait, it's the second semi-final! We see injuries, victories and what Jessica likes to call "The Battle of the Kind Kings". They’re joined by comedian and MMA enthusiast Nabil Abdulrashid, aka SMILE. Ahead of the grand final, we also have a very special chat with FINALIST Contender Amanda Wah, and Contender Zavia Hill gives us the low …
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Gladiators First Semi-Final with Cariad Lloyd
58:06
58:06
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58:06This week it's the first semi-final - another battle of the Joes and the best Powerball we've ever seen. They’re joined by author, improviser and comedian Cariad Lloyd, aka ALLERGY. See Cariad live in improvised Jane Austen show Austentatious. For dates and tickets head to https://www.austentatiousimpro.com. Her children's picture book Where Did Sh…
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Gladiators Last Quarter-Final with Rudy (aka Jessica's son)
41:58
41:58
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41:58It's the third and final quarter-final (yes, we know) and we find out who will make it to next week’s semis. We also catch up with everyone’s favourite Glad... *checks notes* Knitro. They’re joined by very special guest, Jessica's son and Legend superfan, Rudy aka G.O.A.T. We want to hear from you! What would YOUR Gladiator name be, and why? Send u…
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Gladiators Second Quarter-Final with Chloe Petts
56:27
56:27
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56:27It's our second quarter-final and the Contenders are battling it out for a place in the semis. They’re joined by comedian and Gladiators convert, Chloe Petts aka DYKE. After a sell out run, Chloe's stand-up show How You See Me, How You Don't will return to the Soho Theatre from 9th June-14th June. For tickets and information head to sohotheatre.com…
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Gladiators First Quarter-Final with Helen Glover
42:16
42:16
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42:16This week got to see what Jessica has dubbed 'The War of the Lovely Boys’, as some of our favourite Contenders return for the first quarter-final. Jessica and Emily are joined by Olympic rower and Gladiators super-fan, Helen Glover aka BLADE. We also hear a voicenote from Hull comedian Amy Gledhill aka THE PROCRASTINATOR. We want to hear from you! …
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This week we meet our final set of new Contenders battling it out for a place in the quarter finals, and you bet Jessica and Emily have a lot to say about it. They’re joined by comedian, boxer and future Celebrity Gladiators winner, Stephen Bailey aka THE PEACOCK. Stephen is going on tour with his brand new stand-up show TART. For tickets and infor…
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Gladiators was back on our screens on Saturday with the penultimate heat before the quarter finals. How many Joes will make it through to the quarters? Emily and Jess discuss. They’re joined by comedian and snowboarder extraordinaire, Harriet Kemsley aka CHAOS. Harriet is on tour with her stand-up show Everything Always Works Out For Me. For ticket…
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A Look Through the Official Gladiators TV Companion Book
27:18
27:18
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27:18No Gladiators fix this week? No problem. We've got you covered. With no TV episode out this week, Jessica has taken it upon herself to do some homework, so she and Emily leaf through The Official TV Companion Book and share some of the best (and weirdest) facts. Which Gladiator eats birthday cake for breakfast? Why does one Gladiator hate the Gaunt…
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With a brand new game and a potential budding Glad romance, Emily and Jessica have lots to talk about as they debrief on this week's Gladiators heat. They’re joined by comedian and extensive climber, the brilliant Rosie Jones aka WIND. Follow Rosie on Instagram @josierones We want to hear from you! What would YOUR Gladiator name be, and why? Send u…
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This week, Jessica and Emily discuss the brand new (and terrifying) Gladiator, Cyclone, as well as debriefing on this week's Contenders' performance. They’re joined by comedian and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins badass, Zoe Lyons aka BLIZZARD. Catch Zoe on tour with her brand new stand-up show Werewolf. For tickets and information head to zoelyons.c…
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Gladiators is back baby! The brand new series has begun and Jessica and Emily catch up on their favourite moments from the first episode of the new series. This week they’re joined by comedian and skating extraordinaire, Lou Sanders aka GLUTTON. Lou is going on tour with her brand new stand-up show No Kissing In The Bingo Hall. For tickets and info…
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Gladiators Celebrity Special with Josh Widdicombe
41:35
41:35
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41:35With just a day to go before the brand new series of Gladiators hits our screens, to warm us up, Jessica and Emily take a look at the recent Gladiators Celebrity Special. Joining them this week is special guest Josh Widdicombe, and we hear from Celebrity contenders Ellie Taylor and Rob Beckett about their time on the show. Josh is on tour with his …
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Contender, ready? Gladiator, ready? 3, 2, 1… GO! Welcome to Contender Ready, a brand new Gladiators fan podcast, hosted by Emily Campbell (greatest British female weightlifter of all time and double World and Olympic medallist) and Jessica Fostekew (clown). In anticipation of the brand new TV series starting this Saturday, Jessica and Emily look ba…
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Contender Ready: An Unofficial Gladiators Podcast - Trailer
0:44
0:44
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0:44Comedian Jessica Fostekew and Olympic weightlifter Emily Campbell bring you the ultimate Gladiators fan podcast. Coming January 2025. Produced by Plosive. Design by Welcome Studio. Music by Huge Davies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Oh wow! More golden nuggets of conversation that were just too tasty to include in our main series 5 episodes. Or which didn’t fit our self-imposed time constraints but are still well worth welcoming into your ears. Or both those things. You decide, as you enjoy extra insights from the marvellous Matthew Highton, Alasdair Beckett-King and Alexis Du…
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Happy New Year! Why not treat yourself to some deleted scenes: Bits of interviews with our brilliant guests which couldn't quite fit in their episode - but which are a smashing good time anyway. Featuring snippets from the awesome Cariad Lloyd, Tom Salinsky and Travis McElroy! SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwar…
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Merry Christmas! For our festive special, we unwrap some great listener emails and attempt some seasonal chat… but somehow it keeps going a bit weird SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a fi…
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30 - "Back To Reality" with Alexis Dubus
1:03:39
1:03:39
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1:03:39Alexis Dubus tells us what it’s like to be in Red Dwarf! He’s an award winning stand-up and character comic (you may know his alter ego, Marcel Lucont) and his childhood fandom of Red Dwarf was a formative influence on his comedy. So imagine his delight when he was asked to guest star in series 11! It’s very cool to hear his behind-the-scenes stori…
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29 - "Demons and Angels" with Alasdair Beckett-King
59:52
59:52
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59:52Acclaimed standup, animator, filmmaker and children’s author Alasdair Beckett-King cannot overstate how much of a Red Dwarf fan he was back in the day. Case in point: he was angered by CGI Starbug in the way only a true fan can be. The show even influenced his taste in food… and his accent! He loved rekindling his youthful obsession for the podcast…
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28 - "Quarantine" with Matthew Highton
1:05:40
1:05:40
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1:05:40Filmmaker and comedian Matthew Highton remembers when Red Dwarf set the agenda for all playground conversations. And he certainly brings his A game to this chat, sharing so much of what he loves about the show - from the fantastic model work, to the endlessly entertaining relationship between Lister and Rimmer. What’s more, he gives us not one but …
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American podcaster, writer and comedian Travis McElroy has been a fan of Red Dwarf since it started airing on PBS. He has such a unique take on the boys from the Dwarf as a surrogate family, he really made us see the show in a different light. He gently challenges easy assumptions about how the crew relate to each other and why they say the things …
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Tom Salinsky wrote the book on Red Dwarf. Two books, actually. We tap into his awesome knowledge - from the show’s alternative comedy roots, to a fascinating idea Grant and Naylor had for the pilot episode, which would have been very different… and very legendary. Tom also gives us the last word on continuity (who are we kidding?). We discuss Tom’s…
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Podcast royalty - and phenomenal comedian, actor and writer - Cariad Lloyd joins us to say some of the geekiest things she’s ever said on a pod. It all begins with the reveal of a teenage Christmas present, which will have you wishing this was a visual medium. Cariad also confesses the enduring influence of Kristine Kochanski in her life. Moving on…
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Find out which awesome comedians are joining us to talk Red Dwarf Series 5… and when we’re launching! SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at a time. With a fresh guest every ep, we’re your perfect podcast companion for a first watch or a rewatch. Be warned: spoilers! Hos…
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We wrap up series 4 with some great listener emails and reflections on our Red Dwarf journey so far. We also look ahead to series 5... Plus: will Fergus humble John with his surprise quiz? And we give you a special musical treat... SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci-fi sitcom, one episode at …
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Tom Salinsky is our special guest to talk about his two volume book, Red Dwarf: Discovering The TV Series. Packed with history, trivia and insights, it's a comprehensive companion to the show across all media. Volume 1 covers the original BBC series and is due to be released on 30th August 2024. Have a listen to this week's ep to find out how much …
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Hear more from Andrew O’Neill and Bethany Black. As we drift through deep space towards series five, this is the third in a short series featuring extras from our series four guests. Andrew O’Neill talks about how much fans will forgive, misquoting music, and metalheads in Red Dwarf. Bethany Black shares some juicy TV insider knowledge, unexpected …
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Exclusive extra content from Tom Neenan and Alice Fraser, to bridge the gap between series four and five. This is the second in a short series featuring more from our series four guests. Tom Neenan brings his brilliant brain to bear on continuity, the later series, Barbara Bellini, the Justice Field, Nicholas Ball, space mumps, and… just how clever…
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Before we launch into series five, enjoy some more from Matt Kirshen and Garrett Millerick. This is the first in a short series of specials featuring extra content from our great series four guests. Matt Kirshen muses on the difference between US and UK comedy – specifically TV scheduling, stand-ups, stunt casting, sitcom scuzziness, and science. G…
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Top comedian, writer and actor Bethany Black was the first kid in her school to get into Red Dwarf. She spread the word and soon everyone was into it. So, you can expect a lifetime of wisdom and enthusiasm! We have an interesting chat about how the show relates to the Alternative Comedy movement and other sitcoms of the time. Bethany reveals how he…
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23 - "Dimension Jump" with Andrew O'Neill
58:14
58:14
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58:14Andrew O’Neill knows the exact date they got into Red Dwarf, telling us “it was exactly ‘me’ flavoured”. Surely we can all relate? And, refreshingly, they’re a proper fan of the Dave era episodes! Andrew is very insightful on why the show is perfect for young people… and metalheads. Series 4 episode 5, Dimension Jump, raises some interesting questi…
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The incredible Alice Fraser goes all-in on what makes Red Dwarf awesome. Cleverness! Silliness! Heart! Toast! An amazing parliament-based metaphor (don’t worry, not political). A very cool comparison with a Pixar classic. And a traumatic memory of Rimmerworld that lives forever in a dark corner of Alice’s mind. Onto series 4 episode 4, White Hole, …
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Smashing comedian and lead writer of The Mash Report, Tom Neenan brings his giant comedy brain to bear on Red Dwarf. Unsurprisingly for such a seasoned comedy writer, he is super insightful on the special ingredients that make Red Dwarf so great - from its vivid nature, to Grant and Naylor’s knack for smuggling in psychology. Plus: the lessons kids…
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Acclaimed standup Garrett Millerick came to Red Dwarf aged 11, with series 6. He quickly became an obsessive collector of the VHS collections, falling in love with both classic ‘eras’ (series 1-2 and series 3-6). He even had an Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers t-shirt custom printed. As we unravel series 4 episode 2, DNA, Garrett reveals an intere…
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Not just a globetrotting standup who shot to fame in the US on Last Comic Standing, Matt Kirshen is also a TV comedy writer, with credits including Arrested Development and The Jim Jeffries Show. So, no surprise he’s full of insights into the crafty magic of Red Dwarf. Matt’s particularly thoughtful about the factors that make British and American …
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Which amazing comedians do we have for you in series 4? When’s it launching? And what are our hopes and dreams for the newly announced 2025 Red Dwarf miniseries? All these questions are answered in this series 4 preview. Plus: some brilliant listener emails on all sorts of stuff – from pottery, saxophones and adolescent tears, to the answer you’ve …
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It’s our second selection of choice off-cuts from series 3. Find out what else the wonderful Jonno and the incredible Dulcé Sloan had to say about the greatest British sci-fi sitcom of all time. Plus: listener emails about swearing and hidden lyrics in the Red Dwarf theme tune. SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwa…
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Keep yourself warm between series with this selection of juicy off-cuts from recent episodes. Find out what Vix Layton, Kirsty Newton, Nick Doody and Tom Price said that you didn’t get to hear before. Plus: a listener shares a tale of youthful fandom cringe. SO WHAT IS IT? Better Than Life is the pod where comedians talk Red Dwarf, the greatest sci…
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18 - "The Last Day" with Dulcé Sloan
1:07:52
1:07:52
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1:07:52That’s right. Dulcé Sloan off The Daily Show is a lifelong Red Dwarf fan! She and her family have loved the show since she was a kid, when it first aired in the USA on PBS. Dulcé has great insights all over the place - from why the US remake was doomed to fail, to the genius of Backwards. Which member of the crew did she have a crush on? Is continu…
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Jonno is here and he’s geeking out! He’s never missed a Gazpacho Soup Day, and we’re talking comprehensive rankings of eps and seasons. As a TV comedy writer and member of powerhouse sketch trio Sheeps, his fandom has evolved along with his experience as a crafter of comedy. Expect insights into what the show tells us about what’s wrong with Rimmer…
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Red Dwarf changed Tom Price’s comedy DNA. The multitalented actor, radio presenter and podcaster shares his fan story - from being Talky Toaster at school, to bonding with his future wife over their shared love of the show, all the way to what happened when Tom did studio warm-up for a Dave-era Red Dwarf taping. His insights are plentiful, especial…
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15 - "Polymorph" with Kirsty Newton & Nick Doody
53:19
53:19
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53:19Ep 15 - POLYMORPH It’s our first ever two guest spectacular! Musical comedy virtuoso Kirsty Newton and phenomenal standup Nick Doody are joyful company as they share their love of Red Dwarf - from the mighty theme tune’s spacey vibes, to taking comfort in the company of misfits. You’ll find out which one of them has a groinal socket. And Kirsty and…
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Craig Charles called Will Duggan a “wazzock” on BBC radio - in this ep, he tells us why! Will came to Red Dwarf at a random episode of series 8 (that’s not why Craig dissed him on 6 Music). Over several years, he caught episodes out of sequence, before finally learning the backstory of this “workplace sitcom that happens to be set 3 million years i…
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Vix Leyton has waited years to be asked about Red Dwarf! She shares her journey as a fan - from growing up in a space opera loving household, to abusing her pre-standup day job by engineering a working lunch with Robert Llewellyn. Vix also muses on how Rimmer’s grown on her as she’s gotten older, and together we ponder whether the show’s lightness …
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Series 2 Wrap-up: The Lost Episode - "Dad"
16:53
16:53
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16:53Before we get to series 3, we need to talk about what the smeg happens after Parallel Universe. We find a missing episode that would have dealt with Lister’s pregnancy. And a ‘story-so-far’ that’s the ‘story-so-fast’ you might not be able to take it in. So we’ve done the work for you. Get prepped for the next series and enjoy some brilliant listene…
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12 - "Parallel Universe" with Stuart Goldsmith
56:08
56:08
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56:08Stuart Goldsmith hates Duane Dibbley. There’s your clickbait opener! In fact, the inventor of ‘comedians talking about comedy’ proves to be massively in love with classic Dwarf - and hugely insightful about its craft and appeal. He talks about the influence and resonance each character has had on him over the years. And gives an insider’s perspecti…
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Sarah Mills greets us with her own version of the Red Dwarf theme tune - and it’s the perfect start to an especially bantery ep. Sarah talks about not being a sci-fi fan, yet wishing she’d come up with the concept of Red Dwarf. She shares her enduring love for a classic ep from series 4. And she has a great take on why we enjoy spending time with R…
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Discover why improv comic and playwright David Reed is nostalgic for the days when series continuity wasn’t all that important. Hear his take on the boys from the Dwarf as characters from Winnie The Pooh. And shudder at the memory of David’s wife breaking Starbug. As we pull apart series 2 episode 4, Stasis Leak, David helps us celebrate the brilli…
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